Aedes.PCM is a structural BIM software that allows the designer to perform structural analyses of masonry buildings through parametric modelling. The software deals with unreinforced and reinforced, new and existing masonry structures as well as mixed structures which feature concrete elements. The design procedure starts with the architectural modelling of the building and continues with (a) finite element analyses and safety verifications through structural modelling, (b) kinematic analysis of the collapse mechanisms.

The user interface supports the designer through the entire design procedure and highlights the different stages of the project:• Architectural modelling• FEM analyses - Structural modelling• Kinematic analysisARCHITECTURAL MODELLING

In this first phase, the BIM software allows the user to create a 3D Model of the building by means of parametric objects such as walls, openings, beams, columns, arches, slabs and roofs. In brief, the architectural modelling allows to:• Define the stories of the building specifying height and wind exposition• Define materials and cross sections• Place external reference drawings such as dxf or images • Insert walls, openings, beams, columns, arches, slabs and roofs (story by story)• Edit the model entities by means of advanced CAD commands• Assign slab and wind loads related to different load patterns• Visualize a layout with multiple viewports• Explore the model in Floor Plan, Axonometry, Perspective, Walkthrough• Define sections and elevations of the building• See a preview of the Equivalent Frame ModelFEM ANALYSES

The software automatically generates the structural model according to the Equivalent Frame Method. In this phase the entities of the model are Frames, Nodes and Slabs. Each frame is a 2-nodes finite element which inherits the structural properties from the related architectural element. Therefore the frames are divided in different typologies such as Piers, Spandrels, Columns, Beams, Blocks, Joints and Rigid links. The slabs, defined in the architectural modelling, distribute their loads to the boundary frames.

The Structure tab allows the designer to explore and modify the structural model with the following features: • Insert new frames and new nodes• Define the characteristics of the levels (constraints, diaphragm actions, etc.) • Modify the properties of the frames (releases, material, section, etc.) • Modify the properties of the nodes (restraints, springs, etc.) • Modify the properties of the slabs (typology, in-plane rigidity, etc.) • Visualize the loads applied on frames and nodes • Apply additional loads to frames and nodes • Manage load patterns and load combinations • Filter the model with advanced query functions • Apply and visualize strengthening interventions as frame properties • Perform a check-up of the input data before the analyses

The Resistance Domains tab displays the N-M interaction for concrete and masonry elements, pointing out the element safety verification for the current analysis.

The Capacity Curves tab displays all the calculated pushover curves, according to different directions and load distributions. Moreover an exclusive 3D diagram highlights the control displacement in the direction orthogonal to the one of the analysis and provides a powerful tool for the assessment of the reliability of the analysis.

Kinematic analysis

The kinematic analysis is based on a model made of rigid bodies that are automatically generated from the entities of the architectural model. The analysis consists in the definition of several collapse mechanisms and the interactive calculation of the collapse multiplier and the seismic risk index. The software features different typologies of collapse mechanisms such as overturning, flexure, arch mechanism, etc. Each mechanism requires the definition of the rotation axes and the selection of the participating bodies. The bodies can be cut in order to match the expected failures or the existing cracks of the building.